Gov. Kim Reynolds took time in her first Condition of the State address today to say that sexual harassment “must stop.” 

“Throughout history, sexual harassment has been a stain on our culture, a destructive force — in politics, media and entertainment, in workplaces large and small — in all facets of life. And it must stop,” said Reynolds, noting that she is a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother who understands the problem can’t be fixed with a legislative bill.

“You cannot legislate kindness or respect or morality. They must be taught. And that means the solution starts with every individual, man or woman. It’s about showing respect to others. It’s about character and decency. And it’s about changing the culture once and for all.”

The comments were greeted with loud applause from lawmakers, who have faced criticism and a high-profile court case after allegations of widespread harassment at the Statehouse.

Reynolds said the water quality bill she hopes will be first she signs as governor should not be seen as a solution but rather as the beginning of a long conversation to address one of the state’s most pressing problems. 

“Let me assure you, passage of this monumental legislation does not mean the water quality discussion is over; rather it ignites the conversation to implement and scale practices that will continue to make an impact on water quality,” Reynolds said. 

The governor — the first woman to serve in the post — said she hopes her work will be an inspiration. “I hope that I can be an inspiration to every waitress, every grocery checker, every overworked and stressed-out mom, and the little girls who dare to dream: In Iowa, if you’re willing to work for it, those dreams can come true.”

On other topics, Reynolds:

• Stressed that she thinks Future Ready Iowa will be a key to Iowa’s economic success, and thanked the Iowa Business Council for committing to provide 30,000 slots for interns, externs and apprentices by 2025. She included $1 million in her budget to expand the state’s apprenticeships program, and $500,000 for more work-based learning such as welding programs.
• Noted that Iowa is one of three states that allow taxpayers to deduct federal taxes, which in effect leaves Iowans with higher tax rates. “I will be proposing a tax reform package that significantly reduces rates, modernizes our tax code, eliminates federal deductibility, and provides real tax relief for middle-class families, farmers and small businesses.”
• Proposed $54 million in new money for schools.
• Supported privately managed Medicaid, as she has in the past. “I still believe managed care is the right decision for Iowa, but it has become very clear that mistakes were made in how it was done.” She also again pushed for the end of Obamacare.

Read the full speech.

Selected reactions:

National Federation of Independent Business: “Governor Reynolds identified our tax code as exactly what it is, antiquated and punitive to small business owners in our state. We are looking forward to working with her administration to dramatically reduce individual rates, modernize the tax code and reform the state tax system to empower the small business community and encourage job growth and prosperity.”

Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. President and CEO Greg Spenner: “I appreciate Gov. Reynolds’ steadfast leadership on expanding apprenticeship training for Iowans. Her ambitious goal of ensuring 70 percent of Iowa workers have the skills they need to land a job by 2025 is a challenge we take seriously.”

Iowa Chamber Alliance Executive Director John Stineman: “We look forward to working with Governor Reynolds and the Legislature to effect meaningful tax reform for all Iowans, including changes to the individual tax code to help Iowa’s small businesses. We will continue to actively work over the coming months to enact comprehensive corporate tax reform and demonstrate the clear effectiveness of Iowa’s business and economic development incentive programs.”

Iowa Business Council Executive Director Georgia Van Gundy: “It’s clear that the Reynolds administration recognizes the importance of strengthening workforce training programs and addressing Iowa’s tax structure to sustain economic growth in the state.” 

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey: “The Legislature has provided increasing support for water quality over the past five years, including nearly $10.5 million this year, but this session is an opportunity to identify a long-term source of funding to allow us to continue to scale-up our water quality efforts. I also appreciate her focus on supporting our state’s rural areas, including expanding broadband access. With agriculture as an important driver, I agree there are tremendous opportunities to see significant growth and economic development generated in our small towns and rural communities.”